Don’t Forget to Consider the Ohio Business Income Deduction

Cathy Robinson, CPA

Principal

robinson@hwco.com

 

Beginning in 2015, Ohio has increased the benefit to taxpayers for the Ohio Business Deduction.  A business will receive up to 75% deduction on their first $250,000 of business income. This means up to $187,500 of business income will go untaxed by the state of Ohio no matter where it was earned.  The calculation removes the apportionment calculation that was part of the original deduction.  The remainder of the business greater than $250,000 will be taxed at the graduated rate of up to 3%.  The new deduction applies to both pass - through entities and proprietors alike.  The taxpayer should be careful though and take a closer look at what exactly constitutes business income.  Business income includes monies received in the ordinary course of a trade or business operation.

 

The deduction gets even better in 2016 when individuals can deduct 100% of their business income from their personal Ohio income tax.

 

Please remember to consider this tax deduction when preparing your return, and as always when in doubt, consult your advisor.

 

7 End of Year Tax Planning Tips for Small Business Owners





Cathy A. Robinson
Senior Manager
robinson@hwco.com



We are now in the fourth quarter of 2015, and it’s time to think about tax planning.

 



 

However, Congress hasn’t passed the tax extenders, which are a part of our tax planning and strategies.  Several expired extenders include:  50% bonus depreciation, increase in expensing to $500,000 of Section 179 property, work opportunity credit, and research and experimentation credit.  

In the meantime, small businesses owners should still begin preparing for the end of the year. Tax strategies small business owners should consider include below:

·         If you buy a heavy SUV, pickup, or van for your business, you have the ability to write off up to $25,000 of the cost of a new or used heavy SUV that is placed in service before the end of your business tax year that began in 2015.

·         Determine if you can take advantage of the “de minimis safe harbor election”.

·         Juggle income and deductible expenditures through year-end if you are in a higher tax bracket this year.

·         If you’re eligible, utilize the cash method accounting. It gives you the flexibility to manage 2015 and 2016 income to minimize taxes over the two-year period.

·         Have a cost segregation study prepared.

·         Implement a cash balance pension plan.

·         Set up an IC-DISC, if you qualify.

 

Stay tuned as more develops in regards to business extenders.   As tax professionals,  we would like to know if these tax planning strategies will be extended early enough to make an impact in developing a tax plan for our clients.  However, review where your business income is now and begin your roadmap to implementation of your tax strategies.  If you have questions concerning tax planning for your business, contact your accounting professional.

What You Really Need to Worry About When it Comes to Vacation Rentals



Cathy R. Robinson, CPA
Senior Manager
robinson@hwco.com

Owning a vacation property can be a great idea. You get the perks of vacationing somewhere else for as long as you like, while also being able to rent out the property when it’s not in use. It seems like the perfect scenario. However, there are also some drawbacks to owning a vacation property that you may not be aware of.

So what can you do as a vacation property owner to help make sure you’re compliant?   Begin with good recordkeeping.  Documentation is needed for the rental income and expenses.  The amount of rent that is charged should be the fair market value even if renting to relatives.   If your rental property has a loss for the year and you did not charge fair market value, the loss will be disallowed.  The IRS will need to review all records if you are audited. 

Many business owners also make an error when they assume that just because they have simply paid the federal income tax on their revenue they have nothing else to worry about when it comes to the world of taxes. Sadly, they are wrong.  

First, you need to determine the license requirements as well as the tax.  This can be confusing as these items can be highly localized with different names and requirements. The next step is to register with any state and local tax agencies.  Also, remember to renew your business license each year.  

As always, it is important to consult your accounting professional. They can help you to navigate the tricky waters of the various taxes involved and assist with developing a plan for your recordkeeping.

 

Renting your property can be an easy way to help offset the cost of ownership of the vacation home. It’s important to understand each aspect of ownership so you can avoid any surprises at the end of the year.  

 

 

What is a W-4?

Cathy A. Robinson, CPA
Senior Manager
robinson@hwco.com
 

So you are starting a new job.  You will have many forms to fill out the first day including a W-4.  Do you know why you complete a W-4? Not to worry, we are here to help.

What exactly is a W-4?

Simply, it is used by your employer to withhold the proper amount of Federal income tax from your pay.

Why fill out a W-4?

Completing a W-4 accurately can help save you money in two ways. The first way is it helps to prevent you from overpaying your taxes.  Doing this can mean putting more money in your pocket throughout the year. The second way is to ensure you do not owe anything at tax time.

 How do you fill one out?

If you are single, the W-4 is straight forward and easy to complete. For those who are married or have more than one job, the process becomes more complex.  The W-4 includes a series of worksheets to help guide you through this process.  There are also worksheets included for those who have a spouse working as well or for those who have additional employment. 

It is important to keep in mind as well the higher the exemption number claimed, the higher the amount of your net pay. The tradeoff, however,  there will be less withholding deducted from your pay, and you could owe on April 15^th.

 

Remember, ask your tax professional should you have any questions in regards to filling out the W-4 or the tax worksheets attached to it.

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio Tax Budget - The Impact on Your Wallet

Cathy A. Robinson, CPA
Senior Manager
robinson@hwco.com
 

Chances are you pay income taxes to the state that you reside in. For individual taxpayers and businesses in the state of Ohio, there's good news. 


On June 30^th, 2015, Governor John Kasich signed into law, the Biennial Budget Bill. So how exactly does this bill affect you?

 

If you are just an individual taxpayer, the bill reduces the personal income tax rates 6.3 percent for all tax brackets. This means the new top marginal bracket for individuals is 4.997 percent.

 

Attention shoppers: if you're a fan of shopping, you will be happy to know the state sales tax rate was not increased. It still remains at the current rate of 5.75 percent.

 

If you own an S Corporation, partnership, limited liability or a sole proprietorship in Ohio, there's even better news for you.  For fiscal year 2015, you will be able to deduct 75 percent of your Ohio apportioned business income up to $250,000. Also beginning in 2015, the excess business income will be subject to a three percent flat tax. The tax will be effective for 2015 and going forward. 

 

As a business owner, you should also be aware there are two tax credits that may now be able to save your company taxes since the law has changed the calculation. These credits are the Jobs Creation Tax Credit and the Jobs Retention Tax Credit.

 

For those who file the CAT tax, there's good news for you as well since the CAT tax rate was not increased due to the law.

 

If you have any questions in regards to the bill and how it will affect you, contact your accounting professional.

5 Reasons Why Hiring Your Child Is A Good Idea

Cathy A. Robinson, CPA
Senior Manager

 

 

 

School is out for the summer. College and high school students alike will be in search of jobs. So how does it work if you own your own business and have a child looking for a summer job? Is it wise to hire them on? If you hire them, how does that work for deductions? There are five tips that can help to answer these questions.

 

1.)    Hiring your child can be an effective income-shifting strategy for a taxpayer that owns his or her own business.  In fact, there may be favorable payroll taxes that apply to you and your business. Many business owners who are parents do not understand is that should you hire your child, if they are under the age of 18, you are not required to withhold any payroll taxes.  This stipulation, however, only applies to Limited Liability Companies (LLC) and Sole Proprietorships.

 

 It should also be noted that if you own an S-corporation or a C- corporation, you also do not receive the benefit of avoiding payroll taxes when employing your child.  Instead, you will have to pay your child out of a corporation and have to withhold payroll taxes.

 

2.)    If preparing your child for the future is also of concern, hiring your child can also help to ease your mind.   With earned income they can contribute to a ROTH IRA. This is a great opportunity that would allow the earned income to be put into an account and later be pulled out for college.  You may be able to pull the money for college expenses penalty and tax free. 

 

3.)    You may have also heard of something called Kiddie Tax. For many parents who are business owners, this tax may be something you find yourself concerned with. However, earned income is not actually subject to Kiddie Tax, regardless of age.  This tax, in fact, only applies to unearned money or the child’s investment income.

 

4.)    So what does this mean for you the parent?  The first $6,300 of income made isn’t taxed by the federal government. By hiring your child, you keep that money in the family. Other deductions include claiming your child on your return as a dependent and taking that exemption, as well as the Child Tax Credit.

 

5.)    The most important thing to remember is that you need to keep your business legitimate even when hiring your child. Your child should only be paid for the services that they render to your business or property. Payments must also be made to your child and should be in accordance with the services they are providing.  It should go without saying that by hiring your child they should be performing a necessary task to the business so that they may be legitimately involved with it. Hiring them to do chores around the house will not qualify you for deductions, and could also involve setting yourself up to be audited.

 

In conclusion, hiring your child could be a good idea for a parent who is a business owner. It can help you pay for college later on down the road, give you a tax break and also teach your children the importance of having a work ethic. 

 

Consulting your accountant before making any financial move is always important, as they can help to guide you as you take the steps towards a better financial plan for you and your child. Be sure that you bring up the above points as your business takes the steps towards hiring your child.

 

 

 

This update is published periodically by HW&Co. as an information service to our clients, business associates and friends. It is general information and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any comments contained in this document.

Succession Planning...It Starts Now.

Cathy A. Robinson, CPA
Senior Manager

Succession planning isn’t always the first thought on your mind as a business owner or professional.

 

You have put in the time, the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears that have made your company or your profession what it is today. How could you possibly just hand over the reins to someone else?

 

The truth of the matter is simple … you can’t predict the unpredictable.  

 

There are several ways to leave a company:

 

Death

Retirement

Disability

Expected departure

Involuntary departure

 

Eventually your partnership with your company will end, and it is important to make sure you are on a path that is suitable for you, your company, and your clients. What would happen to your company or your partner should you unexpectedly pass away? What would happen to your practice if your partner wanted to leave to be closer to his or her children or grandchildren?  Or, what if your children didn’t want to take over the family business?  Do you have the necessary steps in place to help with any of these situations should they arise?

 

Addressing these questions sooner rather than later will help you deal with the unavoidable later on down the road.  In fact, there are two tips mentioned by lawyer Eliot M. Wagonheim in a blog on Huffington Posts that are especially important to keep in mind.

 

1)      Consider a valuation. Use an expert experienced with doing valuations in your industry for an appraisal of your company.

2)      Work out a purchase agreement with your partner utilizing your accounting professional to ensure everyone is receiving a fair share of the company.  Having a plan in place will help to avoid any possibilities of a sticky situation when someone leaves, expectedly or unexpectedly.

 

Talking with your family members is also important if you own your own business. If you plan on passing the business down, make sure they have a serious interest in taking it over. If they do not, you need to start planning for succession or the possibilities of selling off the business.

 

If you are in the professional service industry, it is also important to sit down and have a conversation with your clients.  Planning according to what is best for the client and the long-term relationship with your company is crucial. The best and smartest succession plans begin with a thoughtful plan that incorporates the wants and needs of your existing and developing clients.

 

Spending just a few hours to put a plan into place now can keep you or your partner from putting fires out later, while helping to manage emergency situations later should they arise.  The earlier you begin planning for the next stage, the better the chances of your company’s continued success will be.



This update is published periodically by HW&Co. as an information service to our clients, business associates and friends. It is general information and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any comments contained in this document.